Army Chief Urges Soldiers to Sustain Indigenous language skills for Intelligence gathering
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has charged Nigerian Army personnel to sustain the knowledge of indigenous languages acquired during training, stressing that language proficiency is vital for intelligence gathering and national security.
Oluyede gave the directive on Friday in Abuja at the graduation of the Indigenous Languages Course 7/2025, held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC). He was represented by the Chief of Administration (Army), Maj.-Gen. Lawrence Fejokwu.
“All our operations are intelligence-driven, and credible intelligence depends mostly on effective communication with the local populace,” he said. “Proficiency in indigenous languages will boost trust, enhance communication, and strengthen our ability to counter and respond to threats against national security.”
The Army Chief congratulated the 150 graduating officers and soldiers for their commitment during the two-month training but reminded them that graduation was “only the beginning.” He announced that participants would be required to undergo annual online re-certification, warning that failure to pass would lead to the withdrawal of course benefits.
Oluyede commended the Nigerian Army Resource Centre and its partner, LACLIC Services Ltd, for sustaining the programme, which he said had expanded the army’s ability to engage meaningfully with communities where they operate.
Earlier, the Director-General of NARC, retired Maj.-Gen. James Myam, said the course was designed to improve communication between troops and host communities. He described language as a “powerful enabler” that fosters trust and enhances operational effectiveness.
Myam added that the overall performance of the participants was “satisfactory and encouraging,” while urging them to maintain and build upon the knowledge acquired.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a total of 150 officers and soldiers from different units and formations graduated from the course.
